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If you’re deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Kansas City in 2026, you’re not alone. What used to be a simple answer has become more difficult as the economy continues to drift from historical norms.
Previously, it was common knowledge that buying was the more affordable choice, with long-term benefits generally outweighing the initial costs. But that assumption has shifted. After the pandemic threw housing markets off kilter, prices ballooned and mortgage rates climbed, straining affordability nationwide. Now, the typical buyer needs to earn far more than the typical renter to afford a median-priced home in many cities, leading the homeowner population to stall…